HistoryThe International Myotonic Dystrophy Organization began in 1996 when a diagnosis was made of myotonic dystrophy in the Weston family. There was little information available despite an intensive search. The internet was just becoming active but still little information was available. What really was lacking was practical day to day management information. It was then decided that more information needed to be available to all members of the community.
The website began operation in June of 1997 featuring basic information on Myotonic Dystrophy and began just as a simple one page web. The website was designed with the web development tool Pacific Design . Information continued to be added to the site over the following years.
The site underwent a significant upgrade in July 1999 with the new site operational in August of 1999. The new web development tool was Microsoft FrontPage and new technology was incorporated.
In 2004 we instituted our web-based HTML newsletter as well as the Yahoo groups on Myotonic Dystrophy. We also contracted to provide the website in 13 other languages through machine translation.
The organization was formally incorporated in August of 2000. The growing needs of the organization especially with the release of the first monthly newsletter in June of 2000 coupled with the growing email, and the need to continue to upgrade the website lead to this formal incorporation. Additionally the organization applied for non-profit tax exempt status at the same time. The IMDO is a US based corporation with a 501 (c) 3 designation which allows for tax deductions of most contributions.
The current President is Richard Weston.
The current executive director is Anny Slazik.
This is a membership organization with all members helping and participating in the organization and receiving the benefits thereof. Mission StatementThe International Myotonic Dystrophy Organization promotes and advances the welfare, the care and the treatment of persons with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy or Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy. It educates the persons with Myotonic Dystrophy or Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy on their disease, as well as educates the general public, and expedites the discovery of a cure for Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy and Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy by funding projects that will assist it in meeting its goals. Our Core Values
We openly and freely share information about the disease. We listen to our clients and professionals. We strongly advocate for our client base. We will be international in scope as much as possible. We will be passionate in all our endeavors. Our Staff
Anny Slazik, Executive Director
Anny has been involved in Myotonic Dystrophy since 1987 when her oldest son was diagnosed with the disease. She has been part of the Los Angeles support group since around 1996, where she was one of two directors. She found Richard through this website. Anny is Belgian, but born in Congo. After working for 18 years as a Systems Engineer for IBM, she obtained a degree in Interior Design.
 Wendy Robinson, Associate Director Wendy joins us with a strong background in non-profit work. Most recently she has directed fundraising for a childrens heart group in the San Diego Area. She will be heading a number of projects and you will most likely hear from her in the near future.  Muriel Evans, Grantwriter/Advocate
Muriel also has a strong background in working with non-profits and has directed program development for a number of groups. She will be assisting the organization with fundraising as well as securing grants and acting as advocate for IMDO. Dr. Shri Mishra, Medical Director IMDO Dr. Shri Mishra has accepted the appointment of Medical Director of the IMDO. Dr. Mishra and IMDO have been in touch over the years because of his strong interest in Myotonic Dystrophy. Dr. Shri Mishra background
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About IMDO
